The participants of the event exchanged views on current issues and promising opportunities for the development of efficient, integrated and sustainable transport systems in the ECO region.
During the negotiations, issues of improving multimodal transport corridors, stimulating digitalization in the transport sector, simplifying cross-border trade and transit, as well as the implementation of regional agreements and programs were discussed.
At the meeting, Minister of Transport Ilkhom Makhkamov delivered a speech, providing information on the proposals put forward by President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the summit of the ECO member States to strengthen interconnectedness in the field of transport and logistics, as well as on the work done to implement them.
In particular, at the 16th ECO Summit, held in Tashkent on November 8-9, 2023, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev put forward an initiative to establish a digital Transport and Customs Office of the organization in Tashkent in order to widely introduce modern systems to enhance the transport and communication interconnectedness of the organization's member states.
Ilkhom Makhkamov proposed to develop mechanisms for digitalization and mutual recognition of cargo and customs documents by creating a working group of employees of transport and customs authorities to implement this initiative.
The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation between the ECO member States.
They also stressed the need for coordinated actions and investments to improve infrastructure, harmonize transport policies, and strengthen private sector participation in regional transport projects.
The main outcome of the meeting was the unanimous adoption of the Tehran Declaration, which defines strategic priorities and a collective roadmap for improving regional transport and connectivity.
The Declaration includes proposals from Uzbekistan, such as the creation of a Digital Transport and Customs Office and the recognition of Samarkand Airport as an ECO aviation hub.
The members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation are Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan.
